Mt Druitt man feels ‘respected’ in supported employment

From 1 July, local people with a disability can look forward to having choice and a voice, as never before. Where the door to employment, education - and society in general – has historically been closed, this is a time of immense opportunity.

Offering information and support ahead of the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), disability services provider Endeavour Foundation is reaching out to the Mt Druitt community,

With an information kiosk at Westfield Mt Druitt from Thursday 14 until Saturday 16 July, the local Endeavour Foundation team is available to support anyone who wants to know more about the NDIS, or feels overwhelmed by the prospect of change.

Ryan Woods, a supported employee at Endeavour Foundation’s Mt Druitt site, has grown in confidence through his experiences, and would encourage others to step into the working world.

“When you are learning a new task, if you don’t get it straight away the Team Leader will continue until you do get it, they don’t give up,” Ryan said.

“I like the staff and I’ve made lots of new friends. I feel more confident and I feel that I have gained respect from people,” he said.

Endeavour Foundation CEO, Andrew Donne, said that the roll-out of the NDIS will signal a ‘wonderful new era for people with a disability’, but acknowledges that significant change can be unsettling.

“Knowledge is power, so it’s vital that people feel that they have the information and support they need going forward,” Mr Donne said.

“As an organisation we’ve always been committed to person-centred care, and now we have a funding system that truly reflects that ethos. That said, people need to be proactive and take steps to ensure that they maximise the potential of this scheme. We would encourage anyone with questions or concerns to visit the kiosk and meet our friendly team.”